Decisive Cravings - Melbourne food cafe and restaurant reviews

Pumpkin and Broccoli Quiche with a Veggie Crust A delicious meat free meal perfect for a mid-week dinner or as a starter at your next dinner party This pumpkin and broccoli quiche with a veggie crust is the perfect easy-to-whip-up meal for Meatless Monday, or any day of the week....

Thai Recipes – Make the Classics at Home

Thai Recipes Learn how to make some of the local classics at home Living in rural Thailand has it’s pros and cons, but one of the pros has been access to traditional Thai food, unadulterated by or for Western sensibilities. This has changed my palette somewhat – food without...

How to Make a Thai Omelette (Khai Jiow)

How to Make a Thai Omelette Whip up this simple, quick and filling traditional Thai meal for one Khai Jiow (Thai omelette) is a common offering at local Thai markets. Often cooked in a wok – Thai omelette is a quick and filling meal, eaten with rice and a...

Foodie Stuff / Recipes / Sweets / Travelling Foodie

Khanom Chan – Thai Steamed Layered Dessert

Khanom Chan – How to Make Thai Steamed Layered Dessert Learn how to make this chewy, layer upon layer dessert of sticky sweet goodness Khanom Chan is a steamed Thai layered dessert. It is made by pouring a flavoured sweetened coconut milk mixture and steaming it in small metal or...

Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Gifts / I'm Allergic / Travelling Foodie

Foodie Profile: NATIF Native Foods

NATIF Superfoods – Kakadu Plum, Davidson Plum and Desert Lime, Quandongs, Bush Tomatoes, Fingerlimes, Lillypillis, Saltbush, Lemon Myrtle and Wattleseed Foodie Profile: NATIF Native Foods We chat to NATIF founder, Julie Merlet about how and why she started her business, the health benefits of native foods, and how you can grow...

Recipes / Travelling Foodie

Sri Lankan Coconut Sambol Recipe

Sri Lankan Coconut Sambol Recipe Straight from the kitchen at Palm Cove Mirissa, Sri Lanka Travelling in Sri Lanka, we devoured so many delicious and plentiful curry feasts just like the one above. Breakfasts were hoppers or eggs on thick cut toast or roti served with curries, dahl, and...

Travel: Ceylon Tea Trails in Sri Lanka

Ceylon Tea Trails, Sri Lanka The ultimate experience for tea lovers Beyond the bustle of Colombo and tourist-magnet tea country towns of Nuwara Eliya and Ella lies a small haven. It’s the perfect spot for travellers that crave nature, beautiful landscapes, quiet, space and… tea. Ceylon Tea Trails is the...

10 Ways to Be a More Conscious Food Shopper

Image by Leonie Wise 10 Ways to Be a More Conscious Food Shopper By Paul Hellier of Fair Food Forager If you were to put your mind to eating and purchasing food that doesn’t contribute to unnecessary damage to the environment, exploit animals and even people – you could...

Consciousness / Drinks / Foodie Stuff / Gifts / Vegan

Foodie Profile – David Laity of Goodwill Wine

Image supplied by Goodwill Wine Foodie Profile David Laity of social enterprise Goodwill Wine 1. David, could you share the story of how you started Goodwill Wine? In the weeks and months following Black Saturday I found myself for the first time on the receiving end of assistance. Having been a...

Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Gifts / I'm Allergic / Travelling Foodie

10 Australian Ethical Food Stores Online

Consciousness / Travelling Foodie

10 Australian Ethical Food Stores Online By Paul Hellier of Fair Food Forager Generally, if it’s better for you it’s better for the planet. Fair Food Forager helps you find ethical and sustainable food online, and has listings all over the world with businesses trying, like you are, to...

Retreat Here – Healthy Holidays and Wellness Retreats for Travel Lovers

The beautiful beach view at Nihiwatu in Sumba – image credit: Nihiwatu Retreat Here We chat with Retreat Here founder Sabijn Linssen about wellness retreats, her favourite hotels and top travel picks in 2017. 1. Sab, tell us about your background and why you started Retreat Here? I created Retreat...

Travel: A Stroll Through Phuket Old Town

A Stroll Through Phuket Old Town Discover the unique charm and character of Phuket’s historical centre. Mention Phuket, and images of white sand, rows of palm trees and stunning beaches come to mind. Beyond these memorable attractions, it is easy to forget that Phuket has an interesting history, one that...

Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Sweets

Foodie Profile: Baking and Business with Sweets for Tilly

The Sweets for Tilly team. From left to right, Rachel, Jacqueline and Nancy – Image credit: Jodie Hutchinson Photography Sweets for Tilly In our latest Foodie Profile, contributor Amelia Harris chats with Rachel of Sweets for Tilly much loved for their bespoke cakes, macarons and sweets; about baking and business. ...

Travel: Things to do in Chiang Rai

Travel: Chiang Rai Things to see, eat and do Chiang Rai is Chiang Mai’s quieter cousin, and if you are looking for a break from Bangkok, Chiang Rai is the perfect green paradise. Chiang Rai offers cooler weather (both day and night), more of small town feeling, plenty of temples...

Travel: Things to do in Ubud, Bali

Travel: Things to do in Ubud, Bali Some things to eat, do, and where to stay Preferring the island’s famed beaches, Ubud is often missed by travellers visiting Bali. The lush greenery of its rainforests and rice paddies combined with its famed temples, arts&crafts, and its’ wellness centres, offers...

Where to Eat in Phitsanulok

Where to Eat in Phitsanulok From old school food institutions to local favourites Phitsanulok is a province and city in Thailand’s lower north. For a period, it also served as the country’s capital and is known to all Thai people. The only question I get asked when I tell...

A Weekend in Sydney

A Weekend in Sydney Some things to eat and do Sydney is challenging to talk about as a Melbournian. You want to be able to remain unbiased and judge the city on its merits without thinking about how it differs from home. I will never say that Sydney is better...

Foodie Stuff / Gifts / Travelling Foodie / Vegan / Vegetarian

Red Beard Bakery Workshop

Red Beard Bakery Workshop For the aspiring baker. By Jen Curcio Flour, salt and water produces one of life’s simplest edible pleasures. The ingredients may be simple, and the act of eating it may be effortless, but anyone who has attempted baking bread knows there is no edible pleasure without...

Sumba Indonesia in Pictures

Sumba, Indonesia Our visit to Sumba late last year was an ambitious leap from our previous travels around Indonesia. The trip had been inspired by a coastal landscape image and blurb in a surfer’s guide referencing ‘waves of consequence’, tribal culture and thatched peaked huts. ‘Sumba is not for...

Dinner / I'm Allergic / Recipes / Vegetarian

Eggplant Cannelloni Recipe

Eggplant Cannelloni by Toni Curcio Serves 4-6 people This delicious dish comes straight out of my Mum’s recipe repertoire. It is a simple Italian vegetarian dish that uses eggplants instead of traditional cannelloni pasta shells filled with ricotta and spinach. She also tops them with passata sauce. We often eat Mum’s...

Consciousness

4 Ways to Reduce Your Environmental Impact Today

4 Ways to Reduce Your Environmental Impact Today There are countless efforts and initiatives in place to remind us about reducing our environmental impact. Think Earth Day (April 22), Meatless Monday, World Environment Day (June 5) – the list goes on. But apart from an occasional day each year,...

Inspiring Instagram Accounts to Follow

For anyone who has an Instagram account (I assume you do if you are reading this), you will know what a phenomenon it is. We contribute to a platform with over 600 million active users globally. In this day and age, I imagine it’s a challenge not to be on social...

Reground Melbourne

(Left) – Ninna Larsen, Founder Reground and (Right) Kaitlin Reid, Co-director Reground – image by Matthew Kovacs FOODIE PROFILE WITH NINNA LARSEN OF REGROUND In our latest Foodie Profile we chat with Danish born, Melbourne based Ninna Larsen. Ninna is the founder of Reground, one of Melbourne’s newest and inspiring sustainability...

Coconut Recipes

Coconuts, coconuts, coconuts. Coconuts have long been an un-coincidental theme in both my diet and my recipes for many years. In fact the majority of the sweets I bake seem to almost always contain coconut. If you’re a coco-phile too, I’ve rounded up all the recipes on DC that feature...

Coconut Banana Bread Recipe

COCONUT BANANA BREAD RECIPE My first memories of banana bread take me back to the tuck shop at school. Pre-packaged into individual slices these brown, peppery looking rectangles sat upright in a neat row. They were ok but a little processed so I wasn’t a repeat buyer. Much later on...

Street Life in Phitsanulok

STREET LIFE IN PHITSANULOK In July we will be coming up to two years living in Phitsanulok (pronounced Pis-an-oo-lok). Unless you’ve been here (which is highly unlikely), the odds are this is the first time you’ve heard of it. Both a city and a province, Phitsanulok is a key...

Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Travelling Foodie

Learning the Art of Hygge

LEARNING THE ART OF HYGGE There is a good chance that at some point last year (2016), you heard the term ‘hygge’. Perhaps you stumbled upon an article or a book about it. In fact, the latter is highly likely. According to the Guardian, 2016 saw nine book releases...

Foodie Stuff / Sweets

Special Occasion Cakes Melbourne

A creation by Miss Ladybird Cakes – image by Jesse Hisco (supplied by Amelia Harris) SPECIAL OCCASION CAKES MELBOURNE The prospect of eating cake warrants its own special occasion but the actual selection of the right type of cake is no average feat. Whether you’re looking for something for your wedding day, a birthday party,...

Brekkie / I'm Allergic / Recipes

Strawberry Coconut Pancakes

STRAWBERRY COCONUT PANCAKES Serves 2 people (makes five to six medium sized pancakes) 1 cup rye flour 1/2 cup desiccated coconut 3/4 cup chopped strawberries 3/4 cup rice milk 2 tbsp coconut oil 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 tsp baking powder 1 egg 1 tbsp ground cardamom and fine...

Podcasts For Your Playlist

Podcasts for your Playlist Some must-listen-to Podcasts to add to your Playlist For anyone that knows me well, I without a doubt would have brought up the subject of Podcasts and/or audio books (too) many times. I get motion sickness when reading on public transport or in the car so I...

Easy Everyday Bread Recipe

Slightly crunchy crust on the outside, soft on the inside. It sounds so basic, but when done right a good loaf of bread is honestly one of life’s simplest pleasures – even more if you’ve made the loaf of bread yourself. Living in Thailand, we are absolutely spoilt for good...

Recipes / Sweets

Cakes

Cakes are usually made for special occasions, the way I see it though they can be the cause for a celebration. This is our collection of cake recipes on the site so far. Some are quick melt and mix cakes, while others involve a little bit more time and...

Foodie Profile: Tessa Kiros

I was gifted my first Tessa Kiros cookbook in 2004. It was called Falling Cloudberries. The cover was so colourful and striking, just a snapshot of what was to be revealed in the book’s coming pages. More recently I spotted Tessa’ latest release, Provence to Pondicherry and was so enchanted...

Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Gifts

Melbourne for Conscious Foodies Food Guide

STOCKISTS Melbourne for Conscious Foodies is currently being stocked at the following locations: MELBOURNE The Boroughs Store – 345 Lygon St, East Brunswick Safari Living – 579 High St, East Prahran Shokuiku – 120 High St, Northcote Auction Rooms – 103 – 107 Errol St, North Melbourne Rudimentary – 16/20...

I'm Allergic / Recipes

Chocolate Coconut Cake Recipe

Chocolate Coconut Cake Makes 6-10 servings A good chocolate cake is a must for even the most occasional baker. It is a classic comfort cake and in my pursuit for a go-to version, I conducted more than your fair share of chocolate cake trials. During one of these trials I realised...

A Weekend in Hong Kong

Where do I start about our weekend in Hong Kong? This was my first visit and I was absolutely blown away. Our trip was only three and a half days (basically a weekend) in mid-August, and although we had a relaxed approach to what chose to do and see, we...

Cooking Classes Melbourne

Cover image by Shelley Price For those of us who love home cooking, an occasional short course, workshop or cooking class is the perfect way to learn new dishes and techniques, as well as sharpen existing skills. Thanks to upskilled.edu.au, I’ve rounded up some of the key cooking classes in Melbourne...

Melbourne Food Festivals & Events 2017

MELBOURNE FOOD FESTIVALS AND EVENTS 2017 Melbourne’s food festivals and events have exploded in recent times due to our thriving coffee and food culture. Cafés open (and sometimes close) at a rate too hard to keep up with. There are endless food crazes – first macarons/macaroons, then cronuts, smashed avo (not...

Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Recipes

Native Australian Bush Food

Quandong – image source: theleafstore.com.au As an Australian I feel like I should know more about native Australian bush food. It feels wrong that I know so little about the produce that literally grows in our backyard. So, in my latest overview food piece I’m focusing on native Australian...

Bangkok Eats

The baked eggs at Toby’s on Sukhumvit 38 Bangkok is widely regarded as one of the most exciting culinary cities in the world. This year The Telegraph UK featured Bangkok as number 10 out of 16 of the world’s greatest cities for food. The incredible Thai street food culture makes...

Buying your first piping bag set

The basic piping set available from Daiso – image by Jen Curcio Baking is something that I take in stages. Like anything in the kitchen, once I feel like I’ve got the hang of a specific type of recipe, I graduate myself to the next stage. Currently, that is learning...

Affitadu Recipe

‘Affitadu’ is the Sardinian word for ‘sliced’. In Affitadu, a recipe creation of my Nonna’s post-wartime, old bread is the hero. It is an alternative to lasagna, particularly back then when cooking had to be improvised due to the scarcity of so many ingredients. This is comfort food at heart and...

Dinner / Recipes / Vegetarian

Tom Yam Soup with Mushrooms

Tom Yam, Thailand’s famous hot and sour soup has got to be one of my all-time favourite Thai dishes. All the elements of Thai cuisine gather together beautifully in this sweet, salty, hot, sour concoction bursting with flavour, aroma and texture. There are many versions of the iconic Tom...

Dinner / Foodie Stuff / Lunch / Travelling Foodie

Travel: Echuca Moama

Junction Bar at Junction Moama – image supplied by Junction Moama Back in April, the DC team was invited to enjoy a very special weekend away in the twin towns of Echuca Moama. Echuca Moama is a two and a half hour drive from Melbourne’s CBD. The town of Echuca is located...

Brekkie / Dinner / Lunch / Recipes / Vegan / Vegetarian

Potato Fritters

When it comes to go-to recipes, I like them to be easy and delicious – these potato fritters satisfy both requirements. This recipe has some spring onions thrown in for a little extra flavour, but apart from that all you need are literally potatoes, salt and pepper and some...

Dinner / Recipes / Vegetarian

Braised Apple and Cabbage

Braised apple and cabbage has been a regular feature in our home cooked meals of late. Cabbage seems to be everywhere in Thailand, it’s extremely cheap and is one of the more nutritious vegetables going round, so it’s a win win really. I generally serve braised apple and cabbage when I make potato...

Dinner / Recipes / Vegan / Vegetarian

One Pan Potatoes

One Pan Potatoes is a simple but incredibly satisfying dish to eat. It is intended as a side dish but for some reason it always ends up being the main. This recipe is an adaptation of my Italian Aunts’ sliced potatoes, which she adds to a steamed fish dish she makes....

Travel: How I Research Travel Accommodation

Our recent Airbnb booking at an eco-homestay in Chiang Rai In terms of travelling, my choices have changed a lot over the last five to eight years. In my 20s I had little qualms about staying at a backpackers or a hostel, as long as it was clean and I felt safe....

Dinner / Foodie Stuff / Recipes / Vegan / Vegetarian

Eggplant and Tomato Braise

This eggplant and tomato braise has been a staple at our place for a good year or so. I started making it when we lived in Jakarta as an excuse to test out the local eggplants, which were so foreign to the purple eggplant I grew up with. The dish itself...

Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Recipes / Travelling Foodie

Travel: Masseria Potenti

1. Chiara, you and your family own Masseria Potenti, a boutique hotel in Puglia, Italy. Could you tell us about the property and its history? Our Masseria is a hidden resort in the heart of Salento, Apulia Italy. It is housed in a sixteenth century Masseria (farm house that you can find only...

Hazelnut and Apple Crumble

Apple crumble just like apple pie, is a comfort food I enjoy all year round but particularly so in winter. Although I can’t complain about the weather in Thailand (compared to Melbourne), rainy season has set in and the rain which I’ve keenly awaited to relieve the high summer...

Foodie Profile #30: Cultivating Community

Peta Christensen of Cultivating Community on the far right at a recent event 1. Peta, you are the Food Systems and Partnerships Team Leader at Cultivating Community. Could you tell us more about what Cultivating Community does? Cultivating Community is a small Melbourne based NGO working in the areas...

Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Travelling Foodie

Gasworks Arts Park Farmers Market

Fresh local apples at Gasworks Arts Park Farmer’s Market – image by Naomi Owen Once a month on a Saturday morning, Gasworks Arts Park wakes up peppered with white tents, sheltering an array of organic and biodynamic produce. Flocking to these tents are happy Melbourne foodies and their pets...

Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Gifts / Recipes / Travelling Foodie

Foodie Profile #29: Edible Flowers with Flowerdale Farm

Rocket flower is a popular savoury variety – image credit: The Weekly Times Farm Magazine In our latest Foodie Profile, we chat to edible flower grower, Lauren Richardson of Flowerdale Farm. We ask her about the process of growing edible flowers, her journey in the industry and the history and...

Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Gifts / Recipes / Travelling Foodie / Vegan / Vegetarian

Melbourne Food Stores and Grocers

The delicious baked goods at Stocked – image by Jen Curcio Melbourne is a blessed city for foodies. We are so spoilt with fresh local food in our markets, cafe’s, restaurants and stores. However, one of our contributors Amelia Harris, recently pointed out that despite this abundance, specialty food stores in...

Indonesian Food – an Overview and Recipes

Indonesian ingredients – image by Anggara Mahendra Ibu Sisca Soewitomo is dubbed as the ‘Queen of Indonesian Cuisine’. She has dedicated her 50-year career to nourishing Indonesia’s evolving culinary scene. A pioneer of Indonesian TV cooking, many an aspiring young chef has tuned-in to watch this revered Ibu dish up national...

Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Recipes

Foodie Profile #28 – Basil Natoli

Basil Natoli – image by David Shen 1. Basil, you are a teacher, gardener and activist. Could you tell us about your journey and work in these respective areas? Of greatest influence I am sure was experience and exposure as a child to my grandfather’s garden at Black Rock, the...

Consciousness / Dinner / Foodie Stuff / Gifts / I'm Allergic / Recipes

Review: Tucker Street

Tucker Street Steak tacos with coriander salsa and feta A few weeks back, we were gifted (very generously) a food delivery from our friends, Tucker Street. Our guest contributor David Shen, also the recipient talks us through his experience below and what you can expect if you use the Tucker...

Brekkie / Dinner / Foodie Stuff / I'm Allergic / Recipes / Vegetarian

Recipe: Zucchini Fritters with Smoked Trout

I, like any true Melbournian, love brunch, so whenever I’ve been to the Farmers Market at Gasworks Arts Park of a morning, I tend to pick up some fresh produce and head home to create something delicious for my sleepy household. Here’s one of my favourite brunch recipes, zucchini...

Consciousness / Dinner / Foodie Stuff / Travelling Foodie / Vegan / Vegetarian

Foodie Profile #27 – Tamil Feasts

Dori (former team leader) with Sri (left) and Nirma (right) – image by Marianne Mills Tamil Feasts is a Melbourne based social enterprise that supports recently settled asylum seekers through the celebration of food and culture. Serving up traditional Sri Lankan fare prepared by Tamil men currently seeking asylum in Australia, these...

Dinner / Foodie Stuff / I'm Allergic / Lunch / Recipes / Vegetarian

Home Chefs #12 – Watermelon and Radish Salad with Feta

Watermelon and Radish salad with Feta by Tucker Street Serves: 4-6 people as a side Time to prepare: 10 minutes Oh so refreshing and super quick, this salad can be prepped ahead of time and sit pretty in the fridge until serving time. Tucker Street recommends teaming this with Middle-Eastern...

Dinner / Foodie Stuff / I'm Allergic / Lunch / Recipes / Vegan / Vegetarian

Home Chefs #11 – Char-grilled Corn and Peach Slaw

Char-grilled Corn and Peach Slaw By Tucker Street Serves: 4 people Time to prepare: 15 minutes Our friends at Tucker Street have kindly shared this jazzed up summer slaw full of colour and flavour, and perfect for BBQs! A seasonal recipe, it makes the most of sweet summery peaches, is full of...

Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Gifts / I'm Allergic / Travelling Foodie

Review: Gewürzhaus

Gewürzhaus is the type of shop that foodies fall in love with the moment they step through the door, possibly even before as they glare at the goodies that await them beyond the window. In essence, Gewürzhaus is exactly what it translates to from German, ‘spice house’. The stores...

Foodie Stuff / I'm Allergic / Recipes / Snacks / Sweets

Home Chefs #10 – Double Ginger Cake

Double Ginger Cake (Makes one small bread loaf tin size) I love ginger. I love how half a teaspoon of ginger will add a warm element to a winter casserole, I love how a cup of ginger tea both relaxes and refreshes me and I love how dark...

Foodie Profile #26 – Tamsin Carvan of Tamsin’s Table

A hilltop farmhouse looking over 113 acres of Poowong East in country Victoria, is the home of Tamsin Carver. In recent years she has opened up her home and property running lunches, gatherings and workshops under the name Tamsin’s Table. Here there are cooking classes, shared harvest lunches and...

Foodie Profile #25 – Lynda Gardener

Lynda Gardener herself – image by Dan Magree 1. Lynda, you are a stylist and decorator – could you share your journey in the industry and your creative interests? I started very early in my working life…..as a secretary (19yrs old) in the fashion industry. I worked out pretty...

Travel: Myanmar Food Mini Guide

Making Vegetable Tempura at Mr Min’s Cooking Class Myanmar (formerly Burma) officially lifted a boycott of inbound foreign tourism in 2010, after nearly half a century. Since then, the tourism industry there, among other aspects, has been developing at a rapid pace. This also applies to the food and...

Foodie Profile #24: Ayu Larasati

Ayu Larasati taken by Nathanael Christian In our first Foodie Profile of 2016, we talk to Ayu Larasati – one of Jakarta’s most celebrated young ceramicists. JC x 1. What kind of ceramic pieces do you specialise in and what have been some of your favourites? I make small batch wheel-thrown ceramics...

Event: DC Summer Gathering Wrap Up

A big thank you to all our DC friends and family who joined us for our first reader event, the DC Summer Gathering on Sunday December 13, 2015. It was a wonderful afternoon and so incredible to meet all of you in person, listen to our inspiring speakers and...

Foodie Profile #23 – Winnie & Co

In our latest Foodie Profile, we chat to Kate Thompson of Winnie & Co and also the founder of the ultimate treat treasure chest, the baker’s drawer. If you enjoy Kate’s story, make sure you join us for our DC Summer Gathering where Kate will be sharing her story in...

Brekkie / Consciousness / Dinner / Drinks / Kids / Lunch / Sweets

Review: Caffe La Via

The gourmet burger selection at Caffe La Via Caffe La Via is one of those restaurants you’ve driven past a hundred times but only eaten at once. It’s been on Glenferrie Rd, Malvern, for as long as I can remember. Until recently, my one dinner there was years ago and...

Brekkie / Dinner / Foodie Stuff / Lunch / Sweets / Travelling Foodie

Travel: Daylesford and Macedon Ranges Food Mini Guide

Map of Daylesford and Macedon Ranges by DMR Tourism Local. Seasonal. Handmade. Artisan. Foraging. Farm to table. There’s never been more focus on what we eat and where it comes from. The spotlight is shining on producers as brightly as ever, with menus regularly listing suppliers and awards specifically...

Small Function and Event Spaces Melbourne

Inside The Barn at The Estate Trentham – image by Lisa Cohen Photography I am always on the hunt for a good venue, so I thought it would be apt to share some small spaces in Melbourne I’m loving. If you are on the lookout for a great space for...

Recipe: Thai BBQ Pork

Thai BBQ Pork Serves 2 Charcoal BBQ’ing is a common offering at night markets all across South East Asia. In Indonesia you will see delicious satay’s sizzling on hawker grills, in Vietnam the meat served to you to make DIY rice paper rolls, Nem nướng (meatballs or sausage), will...

Recipe: Som Tam Salad

Som Tam, spicy green papaya salad, is one of the most well known dishes in Thai cuisine. A specialty of Northeastern Thailand but served all over the Kingdom and even South East Asia, it combines all the principles of Thai flavours: salty, sweet, sour and salty. It comes in...

Brekkie / Dinner / Foodie Stuff / Lunch / Sweets / Travelling Foodie / Vegan / Vegetarian

Foodie Stuff: Springvale Gourmet Food Guide

Live crabs for sale at one of Springvale’s many seafood markets – image by Amy Martin If living life to its fullest could be personified, Elizabeth Chong would be a pretty good example! At 84 years of age, this energetic lady with sparkly eyes and amazing skin has been running Asian...

Foodie Profile #21: Gabriele Galimberti

I was flipping through an in-flight magazine earlier this year when I stumbled on an interview with Italian photographer, Gabriele Galimberti, about his project and book, In Her Kitchen. The concept resonated with me instantly – a book of stories, portraits and recipes from grandmothers all over the world....

Foodie Profile #20 – Plants on Pink

Image by @mija_mija If you are on Instagram and you haven’t stumbled upon the PlantsonPink account, coming across it was inevitable. PlantsonPink has been a refreshing find not only because it isolates nature in an online medium but because on some level it allows us to start taking notice of the...

Foodie Stuff / I'm Allergic / Recipes / Vegan / Vegetarian

Vegan Recipes

For our vegan friends and followers of vegan diets, I’ve rounded up all our vegan recipes on the site so you can find them in one magic post! We have some wonderful recipes that will take you through almost every meal in the day. Enjoy! JC x Coconut...

Five Food Workshops Worth Bookmarking

For foodies, food bloggers and creative types, a food workshop will most definitely be on your to-do list. From learning to hand make pasta post harvesting the ingredients for it, understanding how to pimp your iPhone food photos or just fondling stunning kitchen props for food styling, there are...

Foodie Stuff / Gifts / Sweets

Foodie Profile #19: Cake Ink

Cake Ink’s gorgeous sweet creations – image by Danielle Trovato and Sotiria McDonald In our latest Foodie Profile, we chat with the inspiring and super creative duo, Samone and Janelle of cult Melbourne Cake and Stationery brand, Cake Ink. Learn how they met, the ins and outs of what they do, as well...

Dinner / Foodie Stuff / Lunch / Travelling Foodie

Travel: Mornington Peninsula Food Mini Guide

The Mornington Peninsula is Victoria’s original playground. Only an hour’s drive from Melbourne, its food and wine offerings are as well-known as its beaches and seaside towns. There’s been a wave of new openings in the last year or so. Taking in some old favourites and some new ones,...

Consciousness / Dinner / Drinks / Foodie Stuff / Gifts / Travelling Foodie

Social Food Projects and Events Melbourne

Are you a fan of eating and dining with purpose? Fantastic, so are we! Here is a round up of some inspiring social food projects and events in Melbourne that allow you to enjoy your experience twice by offering you a fantastic meal/drink that goes to a deserving cause....

Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Recipes

In Season: Asparagus Recipes

Asparagus is up there when it comes to my favourite green veggies. I love it grilled, steamed, on its own, added to salads – any way really. There are many ways to use asparagus and please feel free to share your asparagus recipes in the comments. My favourites though...

Brekkie / Consciousness / Dinner / Foodie Stuff / Lunch

Social Enterprise Caterers Melbourne

Melbourne now has a great range of options when it comes to social enterprise caterers. If you’re hosting or organising an event you might like to consider hiring a caterer where the proceeds truly go to a worthy cause. Here is a round of up of social enterprise...

Brekkie / Foodie Stuff / Recipes

The Art of Breakfast in Bed

Birthdays and celebrations are a BIG deal in my family. It’s not just cards and cake but the thought and combined effort from everyone to make the birthday person feel special. One of my earliest memories of birthdays and one that exemplifies this notion, is breakfast in bed. It was...

Foodie Stuff: In the Pantry #3

In the Pantry is our newest segment on DC, featuring products from inside the pantries of the DC team and sometimes even our readers. A regular round up of products we absolutely love, we’ll tell you why we love them, how to use them and where they can be...

Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Gifts

Grocery Shopping for Good in Melbourne

The newly launched Asylum Resource Centre Food Justice Truck – image source ASRC In the last few years, the rise of social enterprises has made it much simpler for consumers to shop consciously. Not only are we buying things we need, these products have the doubled benefit of helping others. It’s...

Travel: Glamping in Melbourne

Image source: Happyglamper.com.au ‘Glamping’ (glamorous camping), seems to be a continually growing trend. If you are planning a spot of camping or considering an outdoorsy trip with friends, I’ve searched around and found three companies doing something a little different. If you can’t be bothered with the technical set...

Foodie Stuff / Kids / Recipes / Travelling Foodie

Picnicking in Melbourne

Whether they are held in your backyard, at a park or indoors on a rainy day, picnics are literally one of the loveliest ways to spend an afternoon. As an homage to the picnic, I’ve put together a mini guide to picnicking in Melbourne. I’ve matched it by markets...

Foodie Stuff / Kids

Event: Melbourne Salami Festa 2015

It’s back! Melbourne’s favourite sausage fest returns for its fourth pork party. Not only does the Melbourne Salami Festa celebrate the art and tradition of salami making, it invites makers to have their homemade salami judged by a panel of aficionados and experts. This year’s judging panel includes: Festa patron Guy...

Drinks / Foodie Stuff / Travelling Foodie

Chiang Mai Cafe’s

My recollections of Chiang Mai back on my first visit as a 20 year old backpacker, is of a friendly city – one that was used to tourists with its night markets and tour packages on offer at every second storefront. On my recent return a mere 11 years later...

Home Chefs #9: Pickled Red Cabbage

Pickled Red Cabbage Makes two large salads My new neighbour, Cecile, has contributed this delicious pickled red cabbage recipe to DC. She is a lovely, witty Belgian woman with lots of personality. She dropped off some of this delicious salad for me to try and I...

Recipe: Simple Chicken and Veggie Seasoning

Everyone has their favourite ingredients to work with when seasoning meat and vegetables. When it comes to a simple seasoning for chicken and veggies – this recipe is my go-to. As I’ve mentioned in Saving Tips for Foodies, I often prepare a batch of chicken and have it sitting...

Brekkie / Dinner / Foodie Stuff / Lunch / Sweets / Travelling Foodie / Vegan / Vegetarian

Foodie Stuff: Dandenong Gourmet Food Guide

Baker Andrew Lipiszko with a freshly baked batch of Polish pretzels I’m not much of a television viewer but one of my guilty TV pleasures is watching foodie shows. Right at the top of that list is the locally produced Food Safari hosted by Maeve O’Meara. Not only is...

Brekkie / Drinks / Foodie Stuff / Lunch / Sweets / Travelling Foodie

Bangkok Cafe’s

Roots Coffee Roasters in Bangkok I first travelled to Bangkok at the end of 2004. It was thriving with life and movement, and I fell in love with its hustle and bustle straight away. I returned again in 2005 before embarking on a round-the-world trip. Fast forward 10 years and...

Foodie Stuff: In the Pantry #2

Welcome to In the Pantry, a NEW segment featuring products from inside the pantries of the DC team and even some of our readers. A regular round up of products we absolutely love, we’ll tell you why we love them, how to use them and where they can be bought....

Foodie Stuff / Gifts / Recipes

Review: Vietnamese Cooking Class at OTAO Kitchen

Pho Cuon with Nuoc Cham (fresh rice noodle rolls with dipping sauce) I’ve mentioned my love of Vietnamese pho before. It’s one of my favourite comfort dishes, no matter the time of year. I’ve tried making it at home on numerous occasions using various recipes but, for whatever reason,...

I'm Allergic / Recipes / Sweets

Chocolate Chip Cookies (eggless)

Chocolate Chip Cookies (eggless) Makes 15-16 small to medium sized cookies – recipe adapted from Spice Up the Curry. Don’t let the ‘eggless’ part fool you. This is one of the best soft and chewy, chocolate chip cookie recipes I’ve ever made. I have been baking the odd choc-chip cookie for...

Recipe: Roast Pumpkin

Since moving to Thailand I can’t help but notice pumpkins. They’re at every market, supermarket, road stall – you get the picture. It’s safe to say that for the next little while it will be become a staple in our diets here – and it has already! Apart from...

Saving Tips for Foodies

Saving Tips for Foodies How to save when you’re a foodie. It almost sounds like an oxymoron really, but how do you do it? There comes a time in your foodie life when you begin to wonder why you can’t save more and are living pay cheque to pay...

Brekkie / I'm Allergic / Recipes / Snacks

Recipe: Bircher Muesli

Bircher Muesli is a breakfast that has been disappearing off the menus of many cafes. Such a shame but the good new is that is so, so good and easy to make. The traditional recipe by the famed man himself, Maximilian Bircher-Benner, a Swiss physician, created the recipe as a...

Travel: Seoul Mini Guide

In May of 2015 I travelled to Seoul, South Korea – a city that had been on my list for quite a number of years. When I arrived at Seoul Incheon airport I was armed with an extensively researched itinerary and high expectations. In short, Seoul did not disappoint. The bus ride...

Drinks / Foodie Stuff / Kids / Sweets

Review: Melbourne’s Best Hot Chocolate

Bibelot’s hot chocolate Strange hours, spending the day at a crime scene or staking out someone’s house and coffee are the staples of police reporting. During my time as a police reporter at Melbourne’s Herald Sun newspaper I used to wake up to the 4.48am alarm on my mobile phone...

Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / I'm Allergic / Travelling Foodie / Vegetarian

Travel: Wellness and Cooking in Rishikesh

At the beginning of 2014, I started a path of healing my body using food. I cut caffeine, refined sugar, soy, dairy, gluten and processed foods from my diet to nourish my body to wellness. India had been calling me for some time so it seemed the natural next step in...

Foodie Stuff / Gifts / Recipes

Foodie Stuff: In the Pantry #1

Welcome to In the Pantry, a NEW segment featuring products from inside the pantries of the DC team! A regular round up of products we absolutely love, we’ll tell you why we heart them, how to use them and where they can be bought. Do you have a favourite...

Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Travelling Foodie

Suspended Coffee – a Tradition of Kindness

Consciousness / Travelling Foodie

There are so many acts of kindness I’ve observed over the years. People handing me their unfinished paid parking tickets, discovering a ‘pass-it-on’ book left on a park bench and the cashier who gifted me an extra Citizen Cocoa truffle. One act that I have not been on the receiving...

Locavore Restaurant Ubud 2015

>>READ OUR 2016 REVIEW OF LOCAVORE HERE. Following a very strong recommendation from my sister whose opinion I value highly and that of her boyfriend who is an experienced Chef, I decided to treat myself on my latest trip to Bali by booking in a lunch degustation at Locavore in...

Travel: Portland Food Mini Guide

Think great American foodie cities and New York, San Francisco and Chicago come to mind. Then there are places like Seattle, home to Pike Place Market, New Orleans with its Creole cuisine and Austin for finger-licking BBQ. Portland, Oregon, hasn’t always been an obvious addition to the list. But this...

Dinner / Lunch

Review: Bistro Thierry

Prix Fixe entrées: freshly shucked oysters and Steak Tartare The best kind of friendships, are the ones that remain unchanged despite time apart. In my opinion the best restaurants are the same. Bistro Thierry forms part of an old group of restaurants for me that are at the core...

Recipe: Bachelorette Eggs

Bachelorette Eggs Serves one This recipe is definitely my go-to when my partner in crime is away. I have a host of recipes for one that makes cooking easy but these Bachelorette Eggs are by far my favourite. Comforting, filling, flavoursome, easy and hearty – this one ticks all...

Travel: New York Food Mini Guide

If there’s anywhere that has my heart it’s New York. Four holidays, the most recent in April 2015, and a stint living and working there and I’m already thinking about when I’m going back and where I’m eating next. I like to keep my days open, explore my favourite neighbourhoods...

Brekkie / Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / I'm Allergic / Lunch / Sweets / Vegan / Vegetarian

Review: Green Press

Hot on the heels of our big sister cities around the world, Melbourne is getting serious about real, healthy, whole food. Yes it’s been possible to get a green smoothie or quinoa salad on café menus for some time, but what we’re talking about now is pressed juices, raw salads,...

Events / Foodie Stuff

Event: CJ Hendry Exhibition

Apart from seeing family on my most recent dash (three days) back to Melbourne over Easter, I had only two other ‘musts’: 1) visiting Pana Chocolate and 2) checking out CJ Hendry’s latest exhibition. I am glad to report that I fulfilled both pre-requisites on the list and that...

Foodie Stuff / Gifts / Sweets / Travelling Foodie

Melbourne Chocoholics Tours

Some of the delights on offer at Cacao Lab Melbourne is internationally renowned for its food and its laneways – brought together in a delightfully sweet way by the team at Chocoholics Tours. Founded in 1995 when Suzie Wharton realised her vision of a chocolate and desserts walking tour...

Event: Ubud Food Festival 2015

Cooking demonstration, image by Matt Oldfield Three words: Ubud Food Festival. This is an event that warrants a mandatory visit by locals and justifiable attendance by non-locals. It is hard to believe that this year will be the first to see an event of this kind and scale in Bali....

Consciousness / Foodie Stuff / Recipes / Vegetarian

Meatless Meals Recipes

Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan or not – there are meatless meals here for everyone. Starters, salads, mains and sides have all been catered for. This little collection of recipes will help you see how easy it is to include more veggie based meals in your diet, as well as...

I'm Allergic / Recipes / Sweets

Easter Eggs Recipe (Raw)

Originally, I thought it might be nice to have a healthy recipe for Easter Eggs, but then how are Easter Eggs what they are without the chocolate? Hence, the addition of some coconut cream chocolate ganache to make them a little more festive! The basic recipe for the eggs...

Heide MOMA Volunteers Recipe Swap

Heide III Interior The same lovely girl who almost two years ago, shared her Coconut and Raspberry Cake recipe with me also mentioned she was a volunteer at Heide MOMA. In fact, she revealed that her fellow volunteers had started a Recipe Swap, and at this my interest clearly peaked!...

Brekkie / Dinner / Drinks / Foodie Stuff / Lunch / Travelling Foodie / Vegetarian

Event: Dine from Melba’s Garden Wrap Up

The restaurant facade The Coombe Cottage During her lifetime, Dame Nellie Melba was renowned for putting on a good show, both on and off stage. She was the first Australian musician to achieve international recognition and is considered by some one of Australia’s most famous and talented opera singers...

Foodie Profile #17 – Janet DeNeefe

A visit to Bali over thirty years ago changed Janet DeNeefe’s life course forever. From her guesthouse to her cafes and restaurants, as well as the world famous Ubud Writers and Readers Festival she has made an invaluable contribution to the Island and is one of its greatest promoters globally....

Pinterest: Kitchens

Image credit: ABeautifulMess.com When I’m not on Instagram or Facebook, I’ll only be in one other ‘place’ and that’s Pinterest. An ode to one of the social mediums substituting real life, this is the first of a number of Pinterest round ups where I’ll share some of the pins...

Foodie Stuff / Gifts / I'm Allergic / Sweets

Foodie Profile #16 – Georgie Castle of Citizen Cacao

Citizen Cacao Raw Truffles (image: Rochelle Seator) There are some people you meet who just radiate kindness. Georgie Castle is one of those people. The first time we met, it was like we’d been friends for years and not only is she a lovely person…she also makes THE most amazing raw,...

Dinner / I'm Allergic / Lunch / Vegetarian

Review: Ruyi

I’ve never been a fan of Chinese food (actually technically that’s not true, one of my old friends is half-Chinese and his Mum always makes amazing dishes), my only Chinese restaurant experiences had been bowls of gluggy, MSG-filled, deep fried food. Before Ruyi. This place has completely changed my perspective....

Dinner / Lunch / Vegetarian

Review: Pomodoro Sardo

Calamari fritti, mixed bread and prosciutto with buffalo mozzarella Pomodoro Sardo, formerly Pomodoro Rosso in the CBD is another restaurant that is close to my heart. It is one of only a handful of Sardinian restaurants in Melbourne, and being half Sardinian I always feel a little closer to my...

Recipe: Coconut and Raspberry Mini Cakes

Our most popular recipe on the site is our Coconut and Raspberry Cake (gluten and dairy free). Given we are approaching the site’s two year anniversary I wanted to do something with this recipe so it could be diversified from just a cake. I decided to trial using the mixture...

Recipes / Vegetarian

Recipe: Pimped Out Garden Salad

I love this salad, so, so much! It wasn’t really intentional when I first made it, I kind of just threw a few things together and ended up with something that has now become a go-to. I’ve called it Pimped Out Salad because at its core it is a garden salad...

Dinner / Drinks / Late night / Lunch / Snacks

Review: The Emerson

The summer holidays are over, at least for most of us anyway. Reluctantly, we have swapped our bathers and cocktails for suits and ties. However, while the 9-to-5 routine may have reinstated itself, the warm weather is still here and Melbournians are still in party mode; drinks after work...

Party Recipes: Starters Salads and Desserts

Parties and celebrations are a year round affair! Whether you are hosting or just contributing a little something I’ve put together a list of some of my favourite party recipes. From simple starters to fresh salads and yummy desserts, make entertaining or bringing a plate to a party easy, delicious...

Dinner / Lunch

Review: Akatombo

The discovery of a good café or restaurant is generally placed into two categories for food lovers and food bloggers. Category one: tell friends, family and readership instantly, or category two: wanting to tell everyone, but just wanting to keep it to yourself a little longer. I have kept Akatombo...

Travel: Jakarta Restaurants Mini Guide

FJ Bistro Since my move to Jakarta in May 2014, I have had enough time sampling the local offerings to get a relatively good feel for the food scene here. In a nutshell, there is a lot of choice, a high turn over of restaurants but overall some fantastic dare...

Foodie Stuff / Recipes / Snacks / Sweets

Recipe: Chokladboll (Chocolate Balls)

Chokladboll – Chocolate balls The third and final recipe in our Swedish Fika recipe series by Simone Larsson are Chokladboll. They are a very decadent mocha treat for the Fika table. Being bite sized, they are also a great option for Christmas gifting – simply pop them in a jar,...

Foodie Stuff / I'm Allergic / Travelling Foodie / Vegetarian

Catering and Event Planning Melbourne

To complement our Private and Group dining, and our Function and Event Spaces Melbourne guides, I’ve put together a list of some of Melbourne’s leading caterers and event planners (in my opinion). Most if not all cater for dietary requirements but I’ve also included some that cater for dietary...

Recipes / Sweets

Recipe: Favoritgifflar (Swedish Buns)

Favoritgifflar – Swedish Buns The second recipe in our Swedish Fika recipe series by Simone Larsson are Favoritgifflar. They literally translate as Favourite Buns, and are a common feature at the Fika table. They are so moorish and the best part about them is you can tailor the filling to...

Dinner / Lunch / Vegetarian

Review: Pho24

I’m the first to admit that I’m not a fan of franchises. I’m not sure when or why I developed this aversion but in my opinion franchises are the restaurant equivalent of soup in can (which has never seen the inside of my pantry!). So, if I’m brutally honest,...

Dinner / Drinks / I'm Allergic

Review: Pastuso – Perfect Peruvian

Trying to find a table in Melbourne for six people is no easy feat. All the latest restaurants only take bookings for 8 people or more, but if you can manage to secure a table for a smaller group you usually have to choose from two “sitting options”, one that’s...

Dinner / I'm Allergic / Lunch

Review: Sake Restaurant

Japanese is easily top of my list when it comes to cuisines. It’s the food I crave on many occasions – the freshness of sashimi, the variety of a bento box or the comfort of donburi. But I also love the welcome that comes with entering Japanese restaurants. The call...

Dinner / Drinks / Foodie Stuff / Lunch

Function and Event Spaces Melbourne

Trunk Planning a special event really starts with finding the right venue. Like our Private and Group Dining Melbourne mini-guide, the Function and Event Spaces Melbourne mini-guide should helpfully give you a starting point when looking for a great spot for a birthday, work party, special event and even weddings....

Fika: the Art of a Swedish Kitchen Tradition

Fika, is the Swedish word for ‘coffee break’ or ‘refreshments’ but that still doesn’t quite sum it up. Swedish fika is so much more than just a cup of coffee, it’s a social phenomenon, a concept, a way of life you could say. Fika to Swedes is like the Hakuna...

Foodie Stuff / I'm Allergic / Snacks

Foodie Profile #15 – Tennille Hay of Tee’s Superfood

Tee working the muesli mixture in the factory Tennille Hay, or ‘Tee’ as she is known amongst friends is the creator and owner behind Tee’s Superfood, a unique range of superfood bars. As an Exercise Physiologist and Strength and Conditioning coach Tee’s knowledge of nutrition and the way the...

Brekkie / Dinner / Drinks / Lunch

Private and Group Dining in Melbourne

I’ve had many requests over the years for recommendations on private dining rooms, as well as restaurants that allow bookings for larger groups, so I thought it was about time to put together a list of where I often recommend to people; hence I present to you a mini version...

Foodie Stuff / Gifts / I'm Allergic / Sweets

Foodie Profile #14 – Mad About Cakes

Madie Gostin of Mad About Cakes – Image Credit, Profile Pub 1. Madie, how did your business start? I have always loved to bake but pretty much fell into Cake Decorating. I remember seeing Paris Cutler’s ‘Planet Cake’ Cake Decorating book at a store and my boyfriend bought it for...

Food Gifts for Aussie Expats

In 2014 I became an expat. A visit from friends who came bearing the following bounty, made me even more aware of my nationality: Tim Tam Dark Chocolate Chocolicious Bites, Caramello Koalas and BBQ shapes. Their thoughtful gift got me thinking about all the other Australian expats scattered around...

Foodie Profile #13 – Ronni Kahn, CEO & Founder of OzHarvest

Ten years ago, OzHarvest became the first organisation in Australia to rescue all types of perishable food that would otherwise have been wasted. They have over 600 volunteers nationally, and have delivered 28 million meals to-date to Australians in need. We caught up with Ronni Kahn, the CEO & Founder of OzHarvest...

Insta Inspo: Lifestyle

Just like our Link Love series, Insta Inspo is the same concept but on Instagram; a round up of people we are following whose photos we look forward to seeing in our feed. Our latest instalment is all about lifestyle and accounts all over the world that beautifully document their...

Brekkie / I'm Allergic / Kids / Lunch / Snacks / Sweets / Vegetarian

Le Jolie Cafe

We here at Decisive Cravings have been long time lovers and supporters of Waffle Jolie, so you can only imagine our delight when we found out they were opening their own bricks and mortar venture, Le Jolie Cafe. Now we can buy those coveted Sunday market treats nearly every day...

Brekkie / Recipes

Recipe: Coconut Porridge with banana and dates

This has got to be one of my favourite sweet breakfast recipes. Being in Indonesia I have slightly altered the ingredients I use when cooking sweets – namely more coconut cream and dates which are just an amazing combination. This creamy concoction is a great way to break up simple...

Foodie Stuff / Sweets

Sweet like Chocolate – the best chocolate

Image credit Ferrero U.K. Saturday September 13th is International Chocolate Day. I am partaking in the celebrations by not only eating chocolate (this is a daily occurrence for me) but also sharing what in my opinion are some of the best chocolates going round (and fairly accessible to buy)....

Gift Guide: Father’s Day 2014

Father’s Day is looming (Sunday September 7). If you haven’t even had a moment to think about it yet or just have no idea what to get the man that seems to always have everything, here are some of my top gift suggestions. 1.Billy Law’s newest cookbook ‘Man Food: Good...

Foodie Stuff / Gifts / Kids

Gift: Boomf Marshmallows

(Image by @abbietastic via Instagram) You know how there are some people that are really hard to give gifts to because they ‘have everything’? I’m pretty sure I’ve found something they won’t have…Boomf. This is not a figure of speech but the name of a company that prints photos...

Insta Inspo: Wanderlust

Just like our Link Love series, Insta Inspo is the same concept but on Instagram; a round up of people we are following whose photos we look forward to seeing in our feed. This instalment is all about Insta accounts that inspire Wanderlust, or the desire to travel. Is there...

Travel: 5 Ways to Eat Like a Local

When you travel or move to a new country, it’s the simple things that make your stay: understanding whether you’re miles from town centre, transport options, the best not-so-‘sightseey’ things to do, and the top of my list – the best places to eat. Whether I’m going overseas, or interstate...

Recipe: Raw Vegan Chocolate Mousse

Raw Vegan Chocolate Mousse Makes 3-4 servings 1 large avocado 1-3 bananas 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa 1 teaspoon of cinnamon 2-3 finely chopped dates A dash of coconut oil (optional) Rice milk (optional) Blend all the ingredients together, and taste once thick and creamy. ...

Recipe: Almond Milk

Almond Milk Makes 1.5 litres 1 cup of almonds 2-4 cups of filtered water Sea salt Cheese Cloth or fine strainer Jug/Bottle Soak the almonds overnight in filtered water with a pinch of salt. Ensure the water covers the almonds to allow for swelling. Strain...

Home Chefs #7 – Potato Gnocchi with Tomato Sugo

Since moving to Jakarta, the first food event I attended was an Italian Cooking class live via Skype with an Italian Nonna in Ancona, go figure! Dina Scataglini is the Nonna of a friend in my Indonesian Language class, Cecilia. Together with her husband Alessandro and the Italian Institute of...

Raw Cocoa, Date and Coconut Balls

Makes 25 2 cups of pitted Medjool dates (soak overnight in cold water) 2 cups of almond meal 1/2 cup of cocoa 4 tablespoons of cold pressed coconut oil A pinch of salt 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon A sprinkle of sesame seeds A sprinkle of desiccated coconut Optional:...

Foodie Profile #9 – Melanie Stapleton of Cecilia Fox

(Image by Eve Wilson) Melanie Stapleton is a florist, and the owner of Cecilia Fox in East Brunswick. Her team’s creations are truly stunning and they have floralised (new word I know) many incredible weddings and events (and my 30th – lol). We chatted to Melanie about how she started,...

Growing Honest Food by Gabriella Gomersall-Hubbard

Down a suburban street, under a canopy of Zibbibo and white grapes, on a plot of land in Keilor lies Rose Creek Estate – Melbourne’s local home of award winning wine and olive oil. In Growing Honest Food, Gabriella Gomersal-Hubbard captures the story of it’s beginnings and how from scratch...

Insta Inspo – Foodies

Instagram has become one of my most obsessive addictions as of late. It’s basically the first and last thing I do each day and there is nothing I love more than finding amazing accounts around the world. There are some incredibly talented people expressing their creativity in the most engaging...

Brekkie / Dinner / Drinks / Late night / Lunch

The Last Jar

(The bar at The Last Jar – image credit, Eugene Hyland) (Starter – Smoked Mackerel Pate with house baked Soda Bread) ‘Twas a wint’ry Melbourne eve… perfect conditions to have accepted an invitation to visit The Last Jar in North Melbourne. Formerly the live music venue The Arthouse, new owners Siobhan...

Dinner / Vegetarian

Horn Please

(The bright, vintage inspired Horn Please menu card) Husband and wife couple, Jessi and Jennifer Singh, left San Francisco for Victoria in search of a better work-life balance. San Fran’s loss is most definitely our gain and needless to say, we are simply thrilled about that. Initially settling and working...

Dinner / Drinks / Late night / Snacks

duNORD

(Image credit – Tess Williams) The words ‘Scandinavia’ and ‘Nordic’ immediately bring to mind a number of things: Ikea; royal families (including our very own Princess Mary); bicycle-friendly cities; and advanced education systems to name just a few. However, I’ll be honest, food traditionally hasn’t made this list. duNORD...

Brekkie / Dinner / Lunch / Snacks / Sweets / Vegetarian

Hammer and Tong

To be honest, I would suggest that before reading any further you just glance at Hammer and Tong’s menu here. Now come back and email me here if the menu alone did not excite you or inspire you to visit. To date, Hammer and Tong remains one of the most impressive...

Travel: A Foodie Weekend in Bali

Last weekend I was very lucky to escape from the Jakarta buzz to Bali. The island can sometimes get a bad name due to certain southern-cross-tattoo-sporting visitors or being too ‘commercial’ or crowded. But do you know what? I still love it, it is an amazing place and you can...

Link Love – the Food Segment

Introducing ‘Link Love’ – a new DC segment that celebrates cool links and sites. Our first instalment is about our main passion here at DC: food. However upcoming ‘Link Love’ segments won’t be solely food related, we will be covering a whole manner of interesting, imaginative and inspiring reads, articles and...

Home Chefs #6 – Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a very special dish in my family which Mum only whips up for special celebrations. After a fair bit of begging Mum finally agreed to share her recipe. Being a true ‘Home Chef’ this Tiramisu is just one of many signature meals she makes expertly, so stay tuned...

Dinner / Drinks / Foodie Stuff / Late night / Lunch

Event: Hophaus Opening

(Hophaus entrance in the mid level of Southgate) On arrival at this event we weren’t surprised to see Hophaus staff with trays of drinks waiting to greet us at the door but what was a bit unexpected was the choice of welcome drink – Jagermeister shots or Apple Schnapps!...

Home Chefs #5 – Curried Carrot and Lentil Soup

Curried Carrot and Lentil Soup Serves 4 This recipe has been kindly donated by Home Chef and Decisive Cravings contributor Alisia Romanin. 1 onion, chopped 1 leek (white part only), chopped 1 tspn cumin 2 tspns curry powder 5 carrots, chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1...

Dinner / Kids / Late night / Lunch

Ribs and Burgers

Wow. Rib and Burger lovers I am going to say that this place is up there. A friend of mine kept raving about their Northcote restaurant, and apart from that the name (Ribs and Burgers) sounded like it had some meat to it (pardon the pun). Not...

I'm Allergic / Recipes / Sweets / Vegetarian

Guest Recipe: Raw Chocolate, Tahini and Coconut Slice

Raw Chocolate, Tahini and Coconut Slice – guest recipe by Coconut Health and Healing Serves 4 2 cups of shredded coconut 2 tablespoons of coconut oil 1 teaspoon of coconut sugar ½ cup of unhulled tahini or any nut butter of your choice 2 tbsp of raw cacao...

Brekkie / Drinks / Foodie Stuff / I'm Allergic / Lunch / Snacks / Sweets

Combi Coffee

(The Combi Coffee Laneway) The grand people from Combi Coffee have relocated…just down the road (in case you hadn’t seen the herds of people oozing out of the place). I was a big fan of their coffee and there was definitely a period there where I would make any...

Foodie Stuff / Gifts / Kids

kikki.K – Foodie Gift Range

(The kikki.K DIY Sticker Book) We all know kikki.K for their gorgeous stationery – everything they produce is stylish and fun, and more importantly they consistently deliver quality products, which is why I am more than happy to pay that bit extra. What I also love is their movement...

Foodie Stuff / Gifts / Vegetarian

Foodie Profile #7 – the Thankyou Group

(The Thankyou Group co-founders (L-R): Jarryd Burns, Daniel Flynn and Justine Flynn) Going back several years now, I had the pleasure of meeting Jarryd Burns (pictured) – one of the co-founders of the Thankyou Group whilst holidaying in the States. I had heard of Thankyou Water at the time but meeting him...

Drinks / Foodie Stuff / Gifts

Mr Earl Tea

(Image credit: Mr Earl Tea) Earlier this year we received a lovely package from Mr Earl Tea – a Melbourne based bespoke tea subscription service . What we love about the Mr Earl concept is that you can continually discover new teas while waiting to find your favourite. ...

Foodie Stuff / Gifts / I'm Allergic / Kids / Sweets

Burch and Purchese

(Image Credit: Burch and Purchese) Burch and Purchese is a sweet shop reminiscent of the Willy Wonka Factory but smaller and no Oompa Loompa’s. Picture sweet treats of intensive imaginary proportions, like choc pops filled with caramel, Popcorn Honeycomb Rubble, jars of salted caramel, afternoon tea treats and cakes like...

Foodie Stuff / Gifts / I'm Allergic / Recipes / Vegetarian

Raw and Vegan Guide – Part 2

In our part 1 of our Raw and Vegan guide we explored Melbourne cafe’s and restaurants, uncovered raw goods stores and more. In our final part 2 – we help guide you through vegan and raw cooking classes, cookbooks and even raw beauty. Please also note that this is generally a...

Foodie Stuff / Gifts / I'm Allergic / Recipes / Vegetarian

Raw and Vegan Guide – Part 1

(Dinner at Yong Green Food) The vegan and raw food scene seems to be growing rapidly of late, and it’s not just fuelled by vegans and Miranda Kerr but those with severe allergies, as well as people seeking to treat their bodies a little better. From café’s, restaurants to raw...

Gluten Free Pancakes with Ferrero Rocher

Ferrero Rocher Pancakes Makes 10 medium sized pancakes. 1 cup gluten free flour ¼ teaspoon salt 1 egg, beaten 1 ½ cups of milk 2 tablespoons of butter 10 Ferrero Rocher balls (you can also use Raffaello Rocher, Snickers, Mars Bars, Bounty Bars or your favourite chocolate) ...

Foodie Profile #6 – Lucy Folk

(Image supplied by Lucy Folk) 1. Your jewellery is undoubtedly inspired by food. Can you tell us more about this passion, and how it has influenced your work? I was brought up in a household where food and creativity were equally celebrated hence I guess I’ve always strove to fuse these two loves and...

Couscous Summer Salad

(Image credit to Safari Living) Couscous Summer Salad Serves 4 This is a recipe, which has seen an evolution from its original source. It was passed on to my sister by an old colleague, which she then recreated into her own version, and readapted again by me. Despite the...

Strawberry Mint Salad

(Image credit to Safari Living) Strawberry Mint Salad Serves 2 My Father has been making this recipe since I was a little girl. It was a seasonal treat that he saved for summer along with his famous lemon granita. Over the years I have experimented with his strawberry salad recipe...

Prosciutto wrapped Cantaloupe

(Image credit to Safari Living) Prosciutto wrapped Cantaloupe Serves 2 – 3 Cantaloupe wrapped in prosciutto is almost always a permanent fixture at our summer family feasts. It perfectly connects the freshness and sweetness of fruit and balances it with the saltiness of this heavenly cured meat. ½...

Dinner / Lunch / Sweets / Vegetarian

Jinda Thai

(Top right: Spring Rolls, Bottom right: Beef boat Noodle soup) Jinda was recommended to me late last October at a Food Blogger event. We were talking about new restaurants we were loving, then Jinda Thai was mentioned and it was the subject of conversation for the next 5 minutes....

Mango, Avocado and Rucola Salad

Mango, Avocado and Rucola Salad Serves 4 – 5 This is a beautifully fresh and flavoursome salad that is perfect for hot summer nights. Minimal ingredients here but their quality and taste make a big impact. Enjoy! 2 Thai Mangos 1 Avocado 1 Orange 1 Lime 5 well sized...

Foodie Profile #5 – Sarah Cowell

(Image by Hannah Kelly of Hannah Kelly Creative) 1. Sarah, for those that don’t know you, could you describe what you do for a living? I’m a tea specialist and tea teacher so my work involves consulting on tea, plus creating tea-learning experiences. So, I might advise a café on their...

Home Chefs #3 – Salted Cocoa Banana Shake with Wattleseed

Home Chefs #3 – Salted Cocoa Banana Shake with Wattleseed Makes 2 glasses This incredible recipe (quick and so flavoursome), has been contributed by a personal friend Trish Hevern. She is a vegetarian, with a real flair for always creating healthy, hearty food packed with flavour and the ingredients...

Mint and Coconut Iced Tea

Mint and Coconut Iced Tea Makes 1 x 750ml bottle Another super easy recipe you can make at home. Make a big batch, keep it at the ready in the fridge and we are sure this cooling brew will be one of your favourites this summer. 750 mls...

Ginger, Rosemary and Mint Iced Tea

Ginger, Rosemary and Mint Iced Tea Makes 1 x 750ml bottle This is a super easy recipe you can make at home, using ingredients that are readily available. Do a few bottles at once, keep them in the fridge and have your Iced Tea ready to go when friends...

Hudson Meats – Sausage Making Masterclass

(Micah Hewitt: butcher and our teacher for the night – showing us how it’s done) During Good Food Month we were very lucky to be invited to attend a Sausage Making Masterclass with specialty butchers, Hudson Meats. The Boutique butcher and Deli originally hailing from Sydney had just opened its doors in...

Bali Food – a Mini Guide

Our latest trip to Bali in November 2016, re-confirmed that our favourite spots last time are still our favourites. Of course we tried a few new places, and left with even more on our list for next time. Our recommendations in this Bali guide cover Seminyak (plus some of it’s...

Foodie Stuff / I'm Allergic / Kids / Late night / Snacks / Sweets / Travelling Foodie

Gelato Messina

(Gelato Messina’s new Fitzroy store in Melbourne) Established in Sydney in 2002, Gelato Messina is an institution Australia wide. 11 years later they decided to call Melbourne their second home – all we ask is what took them so long? Is it worth a trip to Messina? For sweet tooths...

Arabella Forge from Frugavore – Foodie Profile #4

(The lovely Arabella Forge) In our latest Foodie Profile we chat with Nutritionist, Cook and Food Writer Arabella Forge. Arabella is a down to earth soul with a conscientious approach and passion for cooking real food. She has shared this philosophy with the world in her fabulous cook book, Frugavore...

Taste of Melbourne 2013 – Preview Event

Apart from the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, the only other food festival that we genuinely look forward to is Taste of Melbourne. Over four days a little food and wine island sets up Alfresco style on Pelican Lawn at Albert Park lake lined with food stalls showcasing signature dishes from...

Dinner / Foodie Stuff / I'm Allergic / Late night / Lunch / Snacks / Sweets / Vegetarian

Sauced Pasta Bar

The Chapel Street landscape has changed dramatically in the last five or so years, with furniture shops reopening as cafés, op shops relaunching as Mexican restaurants, and the most recent addition a hair salon turning into a pasta bar. We can all agree that in Melbourne food reigns, much more...

Foodie Stuff / I'm Allergic / Recipes / Travelling Foodie / Vegetarian

5 Fabulous Foodie Apps

We’re the first to admit it, we spend much more time on our iPhones than we would like and don’t even get us started on the latest Apple iOS7 update. Thing is first it was Facebook and Twitter that took up all of our time reading people’s newsfeed’s and then...

Foodie Profile #3 – Jimmy’s Burgers

We chat to Melbourne’s real burger King, James Hurlston (a.k.a Jimmy’s Burgers) about his adventures, top 5 burgers and whether he really eats one burger (or more) a day! He also makes his own burgers and has kindly shared some images of his creations with us, below. 1. How...

Dinner / Lunch / Vegetarian

Review: Seoul Soul

If you like food and a restaurant with soul then Seoul Soul on Victoria St will hit the spot. The fit out is sleek and minimalist, making for an intimate, understated but fun environment. Picture high tables decked with grills, making for easy eavesdropping and people watching. Choose from...

Dinner / Drinks / I'm Allergic / Late night / Lunch / Snacks / Sweets / Vegetarian

Cookie

(Stir fried pork belly with red curry, green peppercorns, kaffir lime and green beans) We all know it and we all love it, but sometimes we forget about it: Cookie, is a real treat in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. Situated in Curtin House, it is also the same building that...

Home Chefs #1 – Chorizo Meatballs

Home Chefs – Chorizo Meatballs Serves 6. A few years ago an ex-colleague of mine gifted her Grandmother’s Chorizo meatball recipe to me along with a recipe box filled with recipes from the kitchens of all my colleagues. It is still one of the most thoughtful gifts I have...

Black Sesame Kitchen, Beijing

Black Sesame Kitchen is quite a unique experience for all travellers visiting Beijing. From cooking classes to private dining and their ‘Wine and Dine’ evenings you can experience award winning Chinese cuisine up close or at a distance, it’s kind of like a choose your own food adventure. Choose to...

Foodie Stuff / I'm Allergic / Kids / Lunch / Snacks / Sweets / Vegetarian

Dandenong Market

When it comes to food markets in Melbourne, we’ll admit it we’ve been to the ones that are closest to the CBD purely out of convenience. Victoria Market (the great), South Melbourne Market, Prahran Market and even the Footscray Market (when we used to buy grapes to make wine.) However...

Dinner / Drinks / Late night / Lunch / Snacks / Sweets / Vegetarian

The Smith

(Image courtesy of The Smith) Since it first opened we knew that The Smith was something special. At first glance it may have appeared (aesthetically) to be like many of the new fad restaurants and bars with amazing (but similar) architecture, and there may have even been a whiff of...

Vegan Cream of Spinach Soup

Vegan Cream of Spinach Soup (image courtesy of Healthy Blender Recipes.) By Tess Masters from Healthy Blender Recipes Serves 4. 2 cups raw organic fresh spinach 1 cup organic zucchini (about 1 zucchini) 1 cup chopped red onions (about 1 medium onion) 1/4 cup scallions/green onions – (about 6)...

Loam Restaurant

On Sunday June 30, 2013 Loam Restaurant in Drysdale will close its doors forever. Loam is one of only six Victorian regional restaurants to receive two hats. Several weeks ago, we were lucky enough to dine there before the end of its era. Join us for a visual feast of our...

Foodie Profile #1 – Photographer John Street

John Street is a man with history and talent…and plenty of it. His schtick? Food photography, in fact some would say he pioneered it, bringing European standards with him from London when he moved to Australia in the seventies. We met by chance at a market, which lead to another...

Coconut and Raspberry Cake (Gluten and Dairy Free)

Serves 8, best consumed within three days. A few weeks ago we were having afternoon tea with a food photographer, his wife had made us a beautiful cake to enjoy with our tea (pictured). He told us it was gluten free – hard to believe given how moist and delicious...

Where Chefs Eat

These days we are eager to try new restaurants based on credibility. Some of us read customer reviews ferociously, others rely on the words of food critics, and some prefer word of mouth; but there is one more category and it’s one we hold in high esteem, that of the...

Dinner / I'm Allergic / Kids / Lunch / Snacks / Vegetarian

Andrew’s Hamburgers

Andrew’s Hamburgers is a Melbourne burger institution. Over the years we have seen the essence of the burger recrafted with fancy names and flavours, hipster uniforms and logos, but nothing ever compares to the original and Andrew’s Hamburger’s have been producing old school, traditional burgers for years, since 1939 to...

Foodie Stuff / Lunch / Snacks / Sweets / Vegetarian

Tsukiji

We don’t have a Tsukiji fish market in Melbourne, but we do have a very mini alternative with the same name. If you are a sushi or sashimi lover then Tsukiji in Prahran is a must visit. It’s more like a Japanese mini mart or deli, and when you walk...

Recipe: Real Hot Chocolate

Real Hot Chocolate Serves 1. This Real Hot Chocolate recipe is a simple and old-school approach to a calming, classic drink. Designed to comfort and warm in the colder months, this will be a lovely treat to look forward to before bed or cosy’ing up with a lovely book and...

Anzac Cookies Recipe

Anzac Cookies Recipe (Adapted from Cookery the Australian Way by Cameron, Shirley M. 5th ed.) Makes 16 These cookies are an Australian classic. This recipe yields a softer, slightly chewy cookie. The cookie flavour has a good level of sweetness and with the added pinch of salt has a subtle, balanced...

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Review: Rowena Parade Corner Store